Best Care hosts informational day on Hospice

WHEELERSBURG — Best Care Nursing Home hosted Family Day Tuesday and Mandy Medinger of Community Hospice and Scott Hilbert of Community Hospice spoke to the residents.

Best Care Nursing Home hosts a monthly information session for the residents, their family members and members of the community.

Medinger is a Marketing/Community Outreach Specialist of Community Hospice in Ironton, and Hilbert is the Hospice Liason of Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth.

Hilbert said people are usually apprehensive toward Hospice care before they are aware of what it is.

“When I first heard about Hospice, my natural reaction was like everyone else, I didn’t want to be a part of that yet. I later learned about everything that Hospice can do. Hospice is an extension of everyone’s family, we add to our family daily with our patients,” Hilbert said.

In addition to his presentation, Hilbert brought a dog named Marley, the SOMC Hospice pet.

“We are very fortunate to have Marley, the Hospice dog, she does a great job of connecting. That is the personal touch that we do for all of our patients,” Hilbert said.

Medinger said her role in the session was to share the types of services Hospice provides.

“I was given the opportunity to share what services Hospice care can provide, especially with patients in the nursing facility,” Medinger said.

Medinger said the role of Hospice is to provide additional service to the nursing homes.

“Hospice is an additional service, the nursing home staff does a great job in taking care of these residents. Where we come in is to provide additional support to those who are facing life threatening illnesses, those who need a little extra tender love and care,” Medinger said.

At the completion of their presentations, Hilbert and Medinger entertained questions from the audience. A meal was also provided by Best Care participants in the information session.

Marcia Parsely, Director of Guest Relations for Best Care, said the session was very informative for the residents.

“What they shared today is what SOMC Hospice, and Community Hospice is all about. They explained from start to finish on what was needed. We want our residents to know that these great services are available to them,” Parsely said.

Portia Williams may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 286 or portiawilliams@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Portia on Twitter @PortiaWillPDT.